Interview with author Carolyn Lewis

Carolyn Lewis was born in Cardiff and has been living in Bristol since 1987. She is married with three daughters and one step-son and has seven grandchildren. Carolyn has been writing since she was eight years old. She has written a guide to writing a novel which hopefully will give budding authors confidence to get started.

You have written a guide to writing a first novel. What makes this one different?

There are many ‘how to write books’ and what I intended with The Novel: A Perfect Recipe, was to make the book accessible to all. The book is aimed at first time novelists and uses a lot of the techniques I employ when I teach. My students tell me that after my lessons they feel they can write, they find confidence from using the exercises I give them and it is that confidence building that I tried to emulate in the pages of this book.

Which do you prefer doing, writing or teaching others how to write?

It would have to be writing, I get a huge buzz when a character comes to life, when I map out a life for a character and learn what they’re capable of. On the other hand, to see the pleasure and relief on a student’s face when they realise they can write is worth a lot too.

You have had a varied career, what have been some of the highlights up to now?

One of them would have to be having my first novel published at the ripe old age of 61 and a close second would be completing my MPhil when I was 55. Prior to that, it would be seeing my work published and winning an award for a short story at its first outing. A long time ago, I had a motoring programme on Cardiff’s first commercial radio station where I had the pick of the new cars to test drive – that was pretty good too.

When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing?

Reading, reading and more reading. Walking (I live in North Somerset and the countryside is beautiful) staying in France with my husband drinking good wine, spending time with my family and gardening whenever my back allows it.

Have you got any more books in the pipeline?

Yes, another text-book on how to write short stories which should be out either late this year or early next year and I’m also working on a final draft of another novel.

The Novel: A Perfect Recipe is published by SilverWood Books and is available for £8.99 (plus p&p) from their website.

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